Freiburg Institute of Physics Activity Report 2014-2017 Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS UNIVERSITY OF FREIBURG ACTIVITY REPORT 2014 - 2017 Institute of Physics Albert-Ludwigs-Universitat¨ Freiburg Hermann-Herder-Str. 3 79104 Freiburg Front cover Velocity map imaging detection of photoelectrons emitted from a size-selected Na3− cluster, fascinating morphologies of polymer crystals, and a candidate event for a Higgs boson produced in the ATLAS experiment, symbolising the three research areas of the Institute of Physics. IMPRESSUM Published February 2018 by the Freiburg Institute of Physics Editorial Team M. Walther T. Schatz¨ Cover Design T. Klaas Printed by University of Freiburg All rights reserved. ii The Institute of Physics of the University of Freiburg, with the explicit support of the Rectorate of the University, has decided to install an international Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), to consult and advise the institute in all aspects of its academic research and education, on a regular basis. The present activity report provides a concise description of the scientific activities of the research groups during the years 2014 to 2017, of the teaching and outreach programme, and of the available infrastructure. The part of the scientific activities is divided into three main chapters dedicated to the three main research areas of the institute. The variable structure of these chapters reflects the diverse and lively scientific cultures of the different areas which meet under the roof of this institute. Following the inaugural meeting of the Scientific Advisory Board on February 17./18., 2014, its 2nd meeting is scheduled for April 12./13., 2018. iii iv Contents I The Institute of Physics 5 1.1 Overview of the Institute . .7 1.1.1 Location and Organization . .7 1.1.2 Research . .8 1.1.3 Education and Qualification of Young Researchers . 10 1.2 Associated Institutes and Co-opted Members . 11 II Scientific Activities 2014 - 2017 13 1 Atomic, Molecular and Optical Sciences 15 1.1 Overview . 17 1.2 Research Groups . 20 1.2.1 Quantum Optics and Statistics (QOS) . 20 1.2.2 Experimental Attosecond and Laser Physics . 25 1.2.3 Experimental Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics . 27 1.2.4 Molecular and Nanophysics . 29 1.2.5 Cluster Physics . 31 1.2.6 Solar Physics (KIS) . 33 1.3 Important Publications and Conference Talks . 34 1.4 PhD, Diploma and Master Theses . 43 2 Condensed Matter and Applied Physics 49 2.1 Overview . 51 2.2 Transport and Dynamics in Matter . 53 2.2.1 Nanophysics and Molecular Nanomagnets . 53 2.2.2 Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics . 55 2.2.3 Biomolecular Dynamics . 57 2.3 Functional Materials . 59 2.3.1 Experimental Polymer Physics . 59 2.3.2 Theoretical Polymer Physics . 60 2.3.3 Statistical Physics of Soft Matter and Complex Systems . 61 2.3.4 Functional Nanosystems . 63 2.3.5 Theoretical Materials Physics (Fraunhofer IWM) . 65 2.3.6 Spectroscopy of Optical Materials (Fraunhofer IPM) . 67 2.3.7 Applied Solid State Physics (Fraunhofer IAF) . 68 2.4 Biological Systems . 69 2.4.1 Dynamics in the Life Sciences . 69 2.4.2 Bio- and Nano-Photonics (IMTEK) . 71 2.4.3 Computational Neuroscience (Faculty of Biology) . 73 2.4.4 Medical Physics (University Hospital) . 74 2.5 Important Publications and Conference Talks . 75 2.6 PhD, Diploma and Master Theses . 90 1 3 Particles, Fields and Cosmos 97 3.1 Overview . 99 3.2 ATLAS Data Analysis . 102 3.2.1 Standard Model Processes . 102 3.2.2 Higgs boson physics . 103 3.2.3 Search for new Particles . 106 3.2.4 Detector performance . 108 3.3 ATLAS Detector Development . 109 3.3.1 Semiconductor Particle Detectors . 109 3.3.2 Muon Detectors . 109 3.4 Astroparticle Physics . 110 3.4.1 The XENON Programme . 110 3.4.2 DARWIN: The ultimate Detector . 111 3.4.3 CAST: Searching for Axions . 112 3.5 COMPASS . 113 3.6 Theory . 114 3.6.1 Concepts and Techniques in Perturbative Quantum Field Theory . 114 3.6.2 Electroweak Symmetry Breaking and Higgs Physics . 115 3.6.3 Precision Physics with Electroweak Gauge Bosons . 115 3.6.4 QCD-corrections to Multi-Particle Processes . 116 3.6.5 Modified Gravitational Theories and Cosmology . 117 3.7 GRID Computing . 118 3.8 Important Publications and Conference Talks . 120 3.9 PhD, Diploma and Master Theses . 129 III Teaching 135 1.1 Overview . 137 1.2 Degree Programmes . 138 1.2.1 BSc Physics . 138 1.2.2 MSc Physics . 139 1.2.3 MSc Applied Physics . 140 1.2.4 Polyvalent Bachelor & Master of Education (MEd) . 141 1.3 Postgraduate Studies / PhD Programme . 142 1.4 Teaching Export . 143 1.5 Office for Studies . 143 1.6 Quality Management . 143 1.7 Teaching Infrastructure . 143 1.8 Support for Students . 144 1.8.1 New Students . 144 1.8.2 Gender and Diversity . 144 1.8.3 International Students . 145 1.9 Outreach - Promoting the Physics Programmes . 145 IV Infrastructure 147 1.1 Buildings of the Institute . 149 1.2 General Organization . 150 1.3 Workshops and Technical Support Groups . 150 1.3.1 Mechanical Workshop . 150 1.3.2 Electronic Workshop . 151 1.3.3 Electronic Design and Development Lab . 151 1.3.4 IT Support Group . 152 1.3.5 Building Management . 152 1.4 Facilities for Teaching and Students . ..